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Spinal Decompression

Gentle, non-surgical spinal decompression for herniated discs, sciatica, pinched nerves, and worn discs. Performed by our experienced chiropractors at Remix Medical in Houston, TX.

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By Alham Samani, DC · Doctor of ChiropracticReviewed Apr 7, 20242 min read

More and more people are foregoing back surgery to give spinal decompression a try. Back decompression is a gentle and non-invasive alternative to more aggressive treatments used to treat chronic pain. It works by applying gentle pressure to your back in an effort to expand space between compressed discs in your spine. When performed successfully, spinal decompression can provide effective relief for herniated discs, sciatica, pinched nerves, and even degenerative disc disorders.

Did You Know?

Spinal decompression treatments take less than one hour to complete. Many patients find the time relaxing — especially when additional supplemental therapies like electrical stimulation or hot/cold therapy are used prior to or following treatment. If you decide spinal decompression is right for you, expect to visit your chiropractor as much as four times a week to reap maximum benefits.

Am I a Candidate for Spinal Decompression?

Back decompression is not for everyone, and you may not be a candidate for treatment if you have metal rods in your back or are prone to fractures. However, it is a much more conservative treatment option than surgery. If you are considering back surgery, contact your chiropractor first to find out if you could benefit from spinal decompression therapy.

StageWhat happens
BeforeYou're comfortably secured on a specialized table
DuringGentle, controlled traction eases pressure off the discs and nerves
AfterSessions are painless; a course is usually spread over several weeks

What Should I Expect During Treatment?

During your back decompression treatment, you will lie flat on your back while a decompression machine gently tugs at your back. The effect is similar to the feeling you get in your back when you hang upside down. The tugging encourages your vertebrae to separate, relieving pressure on discs and nerves.

Do I Need to Follow Any Special Instructions?

Back decompression typically requires multiple visits to achieve noticeable results. To maximize your chances of success, abide by the treatment schedule prescribed by your chiropractor.

How it's performed

The patient lies clothed on a specialized motorized table with a harness secured around the pelvis and trunk. A computer-controlled unit applies intermittent axial traction along the spine in programmed cycles of pull and release, intended to lower intradiscal pressure and gently distract the vertebral segments. The angle and force are set to target a specific spinal level. Non-surgical spinal decompression is a motorized form of mechanical traction; despite the branding, it works by the same axial-distraction mechanism as conventional traction. Heat, electrical stimulation, or manual therapy are often applied before or after the session.

How to prepare

No special preparation is required, and there is no fasting. Wear comfortable clothing. Recent imaging such as an MRI or X-ray should be available so the treating chiropractor can confirm the diagnosis and rule out contraindications. Report any history of osteoporosis, spinal surgery, or spinal hardware before the first session.

What to expect after

Response is reassessed over the course, usually every few visits, with pain and functional measures guiding whether to continue. If there is no meaningful improvement after an adequate trial, treatment is stopped rather than extended indefinitely. Because the durable evidence for traction in nonspecific low back pain is limited, decompression is used as one part of a broader plan that includes active exercise and, where indicated, referral for injection or a surgical opinion. Worsening leg weakness, numbness, or new bowel or bladder symptoms prompt immediate reassessment.

Outcome

Reported outcomes are reduction in back and radicular leg pain and improved function. The honest evidence picture is mixed: high-quality trials of traction for nonspecific low back pain show little or no benefit over sham or other care, while some evidence suggests a possible role in lumbar disc herniation with nerve root compression. It is best understood as a conservative, low-risk option to try within a broader program, not a guaranteed alternative to surgery.

Frequently asked

Spinal Decompression questions, answered

What is spinal decompression therapy?

It's a non-surgical treatment that gently stretches the spine to take pressure off the discs and nerves. It's used for certain disc-related back and leg pain.

Does spinal decompression work?

It can help disc-related and nerve-compression pain for the right candidate, especially combined with exercise. Results vary, and your provider sets realistic expectations.

Is spinal decompression painful?

No, most people find it relaxing, feeling a gentle stretch. Sessions are done lying comfortably on a specialized table.

Who should not have spinal decompression?

It's not advised after certain spine surgeries, with fractures, or with severe osteoporosis. Your provider screens you first to make sure it's safe.

How many spinal decompression sessions are needed?

It's usually done as a series spread over several weeks. Your provider tailors the number to your condition and response.

Is spinal decompression the same as traction?

Essentially yes. Non-surgical spinal decompression is a motorized, computer-controlled form of mechanical traction. The branding implies something distinct, but the underlying mechanism — axial distraction of the spine — is the same.

Can spinal decompression replace surgery?

Sometimes it helps enough to avoid or delay surgery, but it should not be presented as a guaranteed alternative. Progressive weakness, numbness, or bowel or bladder changes are signs that surgical evaluation, not more traction, is needed.

Sources

References

  1. Wegner I, Widyahening IS, van Tulder MW, et al. Traction for low-back pain with or without sciatica. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2013;(8):CD003010 — https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD003010.pub3
  2. Cheng YH, Hsu CY, Lin YN. The effect of mechanical traction on low back pain in patients with herniated intervertebral disks: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Rehabil 2020;34(1):13–22 — https://doi.org/10.1177/0269215519872528
  3. Qaseem A, Wilt TJ, McLean RM, Forciea MA. Noninvasive Treatments for Acute, Subacute, and Chronic Low Back Pain: A Clinical Practice Guideline From the American College of Physicians. Ann Intern Med 2017;166(7):514–530 — https://doi.org/10.7326/M16-2367
  4. Kreiner DS, Hwang SW, Easa JE, et al. An evidence-based clinical guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of lumbar disc herniation with radiculopathy (NASS). Spine J 2014;14(1):180–191 — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24239490/
  5. Adar S, Apaydın O, Dündar U, et al. Comparison of Traditional Motorized Traction and Non-surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy Added to Conventional Physiotherapy for Chronic Low Back Pain. Cureus 2023 — https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11420602/
SpecialtyChiropractic MedicineTypeTherapyBody locationLumbar spine, cervical spine, intervertebral discCPT code97012 (mechanical traction); 97530 (therapeutic activities)

Also called Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression, NSSD, Spinal Decompression Therapy, Motorized Traction, Mechanical Traction, Decompression Table

This page is for general education and is not a substitute for medical advice. Whether a given procedure is appropriate depends on your individual evaluation. Contact a Remix Medical clinician to discuss your care.

Updated April 7, 2024. Medically reviewed by Alham Samani, DC.

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